Things to remember when driving
142
Stowing cargo
BMW X5
BMW X6
>Load heavy cargo as far forward and as low
as possible, placing it directly behind the
backrest.
>Cover sharp edges and corners.>When transporting very heavy cargo with
unoccupied rear seats, insert the safety
belts, the outer safety belts in the BMW X5,
into the buckles on the opposite sides.
>Do not pile objects higher than the top edge
of the backrest.
>Wrap sharp-edged or pointed objects
which could strike the rear window while
driving.
Securing cargo
BMW X5
BMW X6
>Use the luggage net*, retaining straps*, or
securing straps to hold down small and
lightweight luggage and cargo.
>For larger and heavier pieces, heavy-duty
cargo straps
* are available from your BMW
Sports Activity Vehicle Center. Four lashing
eyes
* mounted in the cargo area are used
to secure these heavy-duty cargo straps,
refer to illustrations.
>Observe the special instructions supplied
with the heavy-duty cargo straps.
Position and secure the cargo as
described above, so that it cannot endan-
Navigation
Entertainment
Driving tips
169Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Mobility
>"Fader": front/rear volume distribution
Adjustments
1."CD/Multimedia", "Radio" or "Settings".
2."Tone"
3.Select the desired tone setting.
4.To adjust: turn the controller.
5.To store: press the controller.
Equalizer*
You can set individual sound frequency ranges.
1."CD/Multimedia", "Radio" or "Settings".
2."Tone"
3."Equalizer"
4.Select the desired setting.
5.To adjust: turn the controller.6.To store: press the controller.
Multichannel playback, surround*
You can choose between stereo and multichan-
nel playback, surround.
1."CD/Multimedia", "Radio" or "Settings".
2."Tone"
3."Surround"
Multichannel playback, surround, is simulated
when playing back an audio track in stereo.
Surround is automatically activated or deacti-
vated, depending on the audio track selected.
Volume
>"Speed volume": speed-dependent volume
control
>"PDC"
*: volume of the PDC signal tone in
comparison to the entertainment sound
output
>"Gong": volume of the signal tone, e.g. for
the safety belt reminder, in comparison to
the entertainment sound output
Adjustments
1."CD/Multimedia", "Radio" or "Settings".
2."Tone"
3."Volume settings"
Mobility
247Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Tire identification marks
Knowledge of the labeling on the side of the tire
makes it easier to identify and choose the right
tires.
Tire size
Speed letter
Q = up to 100 mph/160 km/h
T = up to 118 mph/190 km/h
H = up to 131 mph/210 km/h
V = up to 150 mph/240 km/h
W = up to 167 mph/270 km/h
Y = up to 186 mph/300 km/h
Tire Identification Number
Tires with DOT codes meet the guidelines of
the US Department of Transportation.
DOT code:
Tire age
The manufacturing date of tires is contained in
the tire coding: DOT ... 0810 indicates that the
tire was manufactured in week 8 of 2010.
BMW recommends that you replace all tires
after 6 years at most, even if some tires may last
for 10 years.
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Quality grades can be found where applicable
on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and
maximum section width. For example:
Tread wear 200 Traction AA
Temperature A
DOT Quality Grades
Tread wear
Traction AA A B C
Temperature A B C
All passenger car tires must conform to
Federal Safety Requirements in addition
to these grades.<
Tread wear
The tread wear grade is a comparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a specified gov-
ernment test course. For example, a tire graded
150 would wear one and one-half (1γ) times as
well on the government course as a tire graded
100. The relative performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of their use, how-
ever, and may depart significantly from the
norm due to variations in driving habits, service
practices and differences in road characteris-
tics and climate.
Traction
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are
AA, A, B, and C.
Those grades represent the tire's ability to stop
on wet pavement as measured under controlled
conditions on specified government test sur-
faces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C
may have poor traction performance.
The traction grade assigned to this tire is
based on straight-ahead braking traction
tests, and does not include acceleration, cor-
nering, hydroplaning, or peak traction charac-
teristics.<
Temperature
The temperature grades are A, the highest, B,
and C, representing the tire's resistance to the
generation of heat and its ability to dissipate
For instance:
Nominal width in mm
Aspect
ratio in Ξ
Radial belt construction
Rim diameter in inches
Load rating
(not on ZR tires)
Speed code letter
(in front of the R on ZR tires)255/55 R18109 H
For instance:
Manufacturer code
for tire make
Tire size and
tire design
Tire ageDOT xxxx xxx 0810
Care
260 Do not use aggressive, acid-containing,
strongly alkaline, or coarse cleansers and
do not use steam cleaners at temperatures
greater than 1407/606; otherwise you may
damage your vehicle.<
Aluminum running boards
A rust film on the aluminum running boards can
be removed with a special cleaning agent.
Outside sensors/cameras
Make sure that sensors and cameras out-
side the vehicle, e.g. Park Distance Con-
trol, Top View, or rear view camera, are kept
clean and free of ice in order to assure full func-
tionality.<
Interior care
Upholstery materials/cloth-covered
paneling
Clean regularly with a vacuum cleaner in order
to remove surface dirt.
In the event of more serious soiling such as bev-
erage stains, use a soft sponge or a lint-free
microfiber cloth in combination with suitable
interior cleaners. Follow the instructions on the
packaging.
Clean upholstery material over a large
area extending out to the seams. Avoid
intense friction.<
Open Velcro fasteners on pants or other
items of clothing can cause damage to
the seat covering. Make sure that the Velcro
fasteners are closed.<
Leather/leather-covered paneling
The leather used by BMW is a high quality
natural product. Slight patterns in the
grain are part of the typical properties of a natu-
ral leather.<
Dust and dirt from the road chafe in pores and
folds and result in considerable wear and cause
the leather surface to become prematurely brit-
tle. We therefore suggest that you clean the leather with a dust cloth or vacuum cleaner at
regular intervals.
Particularly with light-colored leather, make
sure to clean it regularly since it has a greater
tendency to become soiled.
Treat the leather twice a year with a leather
lotion since dirt and grease harm the protective
layer of the leather.
Carpeting/floor mats*
Floor mats can be removed for cleaning.
If the carpets are very dirty, clean with a microfi-
ber cloth and water or an interior cleaner. To
prevent matting of the carpet, rub back and
forth in the direction of travel only.
Plastic components inside
>Vinyl upholstery surfaces
>Lamp lenses
>Cover glass of instrument cluster
>Matte parts
Should be cleaned with water and, if necessary,
solvent-free plastic cleaner.
Fine wooden components
Use a damp cloth to clean fine wooden trim
panels and components. Follow up by drying
with a soft cloth.
Safety belts
Soiled seatbelt straps hinder the reeling, thus
reducing safety.
Do not use chemical cleansers as they
can destroy the webbing.<
Inside sensors/cameras
Clean inside sensors and cameras, such as
those of the high-beam assistant, using a lint-
free cloth moistened with glass cleaner.
Displays
Clean displays like the radio or the instrument
cluster using a display-cleaning cloth or a soft,
nonabrasive lint-free cloth.
Reference 293
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Automatic climate control
– automatic air
distribution117,121
– in rear121
– switching off120,122
– ventilation in rear120
– with 2-zone control117
– with 4-zone control121
Automatic climate control in
rear
– activating on Control
Display121
– deactivating on Control
Display121
Automatic closing of doors,
refer to Automatic soft
closing30
Automatic curb monitor52
Automatic garage door
opener124
Automatic headlamps
– refer to High-beam
Assistant113
Automatic Hold61
– activating61
– deactivating61
– parking61
Automatic lighting
– refer to Automatic headlamp
control111
– refer to Daytime driving
lamps112
– refer to Interior lamps115
– refer to Pathway lighting112
Automatic low-beams, refer to
High-beam Assistant113
Automatic recirculated-air
control AUC119
Automatic Service
Request230
Automatic soft closing30
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic63
– deactivating selector lever
interlock64
– kickdown64
– with Comfort Access36AUTO program of the
automatic climate
control117,121
AUX-IN connection128,192
Available services230
Average fuel consumption78
– setting units86
Average speed, refer to
Computer78
Avoiding highways for
navigation158
Avoiding unintentional
alarms35
Axle weights, refer to
Weights283
B
Backrest contour, refer to
Lumbar support44
Backrests, refer to Seats43
Backrest width adjustment44
Backup lamps, replacing
bulbs264,266
Band-aids, refer to First-aid
kit273
Base plate for telephone or
mobile phone
– refer to Snap-in adapter222
Bass, tone setting168
Battery
– charging270
– jump starting274
– power failure270
Battery, refer to Vehicle
battery270
Battery disposal
– remote control with Comfort
Access37
– vehicle battery270
Battery for mobile phone223
Battery replacement
– remote control for DVD
system in rear198
– remote control with Comfort
Access37
Belts, refer to Safety belts48
Beverage holder, refer to
Cupholders128Blower, refer to Air
volume118,122
Bluetooth, activating/
deactivating214
BMW Assist,
activating228,230
BMW Advanced Diesel236
BMW Assist226
BMW homepage4
BMW maintenance
system256
BMW Search228
BMW TeleService226
BMW website4
Bottle holder, refer to
Cupholders128
Brake assistant95
Brake force display106
Brake lamps
– brake force display106
– replacing bulbs264,266
Brake pedal, refer to Braking
safely140
Brake rotors140
Brakes
– ABS Antilock Brake
System95
– brake assistant95
– brake force display106
– breaking-in138
– CBC Cornering Brake
Control95
– electronic brake-force
distribution95
– parking brake60
– refer to Braking safely140
– warning lamp13
Brake system138
– brake pads138
– breaking-in138
– disc brakes140
Braking safely140
Breakdown
– Flat Tire Monitor99
Breakdown, transporting your
vehicle275
Breakdown services, refer to
Roadside Assistance274
Breaking-in brake pads138
Everything from A - Z
294 Breaking-in rear axle
differential138
Break-in period138
Brightness
– of Control Display86
– on Head-up Display109
Button for starting engine58
Buttons on steering wheel11
C
Calibrating driver's seat49
California Proposition 65
Warning6
Call
– accepting215
– ending216
– rejecting216
Calling, refer to Phone
numbers, dialing216
Calling, refer to the telephone
owner's manual
Camera
– refer to Rear view camera93
– refer to Top View90
Camera, Side View93
Can holder, refer to
Cupholders128
Capacities284
Capacity of cargo area283
Car battery, refer to Vehicle
battery270Care258
– car-care products258
– carpets260
– car washes258
– CD/DVD-player261
– chrome components259
– displays260
– exterior258
– fine wooden
components260
– hand washing259
– headlamps259
– high-pressure cleaning
jets259
– interior260
– leather260
– light-alloy wheels259
– paint259
– plastic components260
– rubber gaskets259
– running boards260
– safety belts260
– sensors and cameras260
– upholstery materials and
cloth-covered paneling260
– windows259
Cargo
– refer to Loading140
– securing142
– securing with ski bag135
Cargo area
– capacity283
– emergency actuation, refer
to Manually opening or
closing34
– emergency operation, refer
to Opening manually31
– expanding132
– opening
33
– opening/closing, refer to
Liftgate30,33
– opening/closing, refer to
Tailgate32
– opening from inside31
– opening from outside31
– opening with remote
control28
Cargo area, refer to Cargo
area131Cargo area cover, refer to
Luggage compartment
roller cover131
Caring for the vehicle
finish259
Car key, refer to Keys/remote
control26
Car phone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest, front128
– refer to separate operating
instructions
Car phone, refer to
Telephone212
Car radio, refer to Radio171
Car wash258
– before driving in59
– with Comfort Access36
Car washes258
Catalytic converter, refer to
Hot exhaust system139
CBC Cornering Brake
Control95
CBS Condition Based
Service256
CD, audio playback180
CD, refer to Playing audio
tracks, DVD system in
rear202
CD/DVD changer
– magazine, loading183
CD-/DVD player in rear197
CD changer179,183
– controls168
– fast forward/reverse181
– random play sequence180
– selecting a track180
– switching on/off168
– tone control168
– volume168
CD player179
– controls168
– fast forward/reverse181
– random play sequence180
– selecting a track180
– switching on/off168
– tone control168
– volume168
Reference 297
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
DVD video181
Dynamic destination
guidance159
Dynamic Performance
Control97
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC95
Dynamic Traction, refer to
Dynamic Traction
Control96
Dynamic Traction Control
DTC96
E
Easy entry/exit53
Eject button, refer to Buttons
on the CD/DVD player168
Electrical malfunction
– door lock29
– driver's door29
– fuel filler flap234
– liftgate31
– parking brake62
Electric seat43
Electric steering wheel
adjustment53
Electronic brake-force
distribution95
Electronic oil level check253
Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– door lock29
– driver's door29
– fuel filler flap234
– liftgate31
Emergency request273
Emergency services, refer to
Roadside Assistance274Engine
– breaking-in138
– data280
– oil temperature77
– overheated, refer to Coolant
temperature77
– speed280
– starting59
– starting, with Comfort
Access36
– switching off59
Engine compartment252
Engine coolant255
Engine oil
– adding254
– additives, refer to Approved
engine oils255
– approved engine oil255
– checking oil level253
– electronic oil level check253
– temperature77
Engine oil temperature77
Engine output, refer to Engine
data280
Engine speed280
Engine starting, refer to
Starting engine59
Entering special destinations
by name153
Entertainment sound output
on/off168
Entry map for destination154
Equalizer, tone setting169
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to DSC
Dynamic Stability
Control95
Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system139
Extended connectivity of the
music player in the mobile
phone192Exterior mirrors51
– adjusting51
– automatic dimming
feature52
– automatic heating51
– folding in and out51
– tilting down passenger-side
exterior mirror52
External audio device128
External devices
– random sequence194
Eye for tow-starting and
towing, refer to Tow
fitting276
F
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control82
False alarm, refer to Avoiding
unintentional alarms35
Fastening safety belts, refer to
Safety belts48
– warning lamp48
Fastest route for
navigation158
Fast forward
– CD changer181
– CD player181
Fault displays, refer to Check
Control82
Filler neck for washer fluid67
First aid, refer to First-aid
kit273
First-aid kit273
Fixing system, adaptive133
Flashing during locking/
unlocking, refer to Setting
confirmation signals28
Flat tire
– changing wheels268
– compact wheel268
– Flat Tire Monitor99
– run-flat tires100,103,249
– TPM Tire Pressure
Monitor101
Flat Tire Monitor FTM99
Fluid reservoir, refer to Filler
neck for washer fluid67
Reference 299
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Highway, refer to Route
criteria158
Hill Descent Control HDC97
Hills140
Holder for cups128
Homepage4
Hood251
Horn10
Hot exhaust system139
Hydraulic brake assistant,
refer to Brake assistant95
Hydroplaning139
I
IBOC, refer to HD Radio172
Ice, refer to Outside
temperature warning76
Ice warning, refer to Outside
temperature warning76
Identification
– tire250
Identification mark
– run-flat tires249
iDrive16
– changing language86
– changing settings85
– changing units of measure
and display type86
– controller16
– controls16
– main menu17
– setting brightness86
– setting date85
– setting time85
– status information19
Ignition58
– switched off58
– switched on58
Ignition key, refer to Keys/
remote control26
Ignition key position 1, refer to
Radio readiness58
Ignition key position 2, refer to
Ignition on58
Ignition lock58
– starting engine with Comfort
Access36
Imprint2Indicator/warning lamps13
– active steering105
– airbags108
– DSC13,96
– DTC97
– fasten safety belt48
– Flat Tire Monitor100
– fog lamps13
– TPM Tire Pressure
Monitor103
Individual settings, refer to
Personal Profile26
Inflation pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure239
Inflation pressure monitoring,
refer to FTM Flat Tire
Monitor99
Inflation pressure monitoring,
refer to TPM Tire Pressure
Monitor101
Initializing
– Flat Tire Monitor100
– radio, refer to Station,
storing171
– refer to Power failure270
– refer to Setting date
85
– refer to Setting time85
– seat, mirror and steering
wheel memory44
Installation location
– mobile phone128
Instructions for navigation
system, refer to Voice
instructions160
Instrument lighting115
Instrument panel12
Instrument panel, refer to
Cockpit10
Integrated key26
Integrated universal remote
control124
Interactive map154
Interior lamps115
– switching on with remote
control28
Interior motion sensor35
– switching off35Interior rearview mirror52
– automatic dimming
feature52
– compass125
Intermittent mode of the
wipers66
Intersection, entering,
navigation150
iPod, connecting, refer to
AUX-IN connection192
iPod, connecting, refer to USB
audio interface192
J
Jacking points269
Joystick
– refer to iDrive16
– refer to Selector lever,
selecting transmission
positions63
Jumpering, refer to Jump
starting274
Jump starting274
K
Keyless go, refer to Comfort
Access35
Keyless opening and closing,
refer to Comfort Access35
Key Memory, refer to Personal
Profile26
Keys26
– key-related settings, refer to
Personal Profile26
Kickdown, automatic
transmission with
Steptronic64
Knock control235
L
Lamps, refer to Parking lamps/
low beams111
Lamps and bulbs262
Lashing eyes, refer to
Securing cargo142
Last destinations152